The Russellville Cyclones Booster Club will host its fund-raising "2011 Lead-Off Banquet" on Saturday. This year's event will be at the West Side Church of Christ in Russellville. A silent auction will begin at 5:30 p.m. followed by the dinner at 6. All Cyclones baseball players and coaches will be in attendance.

This year the booster club is excited to have former Russellville Cyclone baseball player, professional speaker and author Paul Vitale as the guest speaker. Vitale will present his inspirational and motivational program "Succeeding in Life's Game ... On and Off the Field."

Vitale grew up in Russellville and his parents are Lou and Carol Vitale. A 1990 graduate of RHS, Vitale played baseball for longtime Cyclones coach Denny McCrotty and for the American Legion team. He played outfield for the University of Central Arkansas in college and graduated with a degree in mass communications and journalism.

By following his dream of helping others find their niche in life, Vitale has been one of the nation's most sought-after professional speakers and trainers. He travels the globe speaking to universities, school districts, corporations and associates about the importance of a positive attitude, strong work ethic and concepts vital to personal and professional success. Paul's message of affirmation has reached hundreds of thousands of people from all walks of life, and his expertise, energy and ability to encourage people to exceed their potential have been described by his audiences as extraordinary.

Dardanelle High School partners with Five Star Sports Calendar, LLC

Dardanelle High School has announced its exclusive partnership with Five Star Sports Calendar, LLC (Five Star) to produce athletic schedule products for the Sand Lizards.

Five Star will represent the athletic department to obtain community sponsorships that will be featured on the products. Sponsors will have the opportunity to advertise on full-color schedule posters and other media products that will display official team photos, schedules, and the high school's mascot. Dardanelle High School will receive a portion of the proceeds to benefit the athletic department.

"We are thrilled to be working with Larry Walker and the Dardanelle athletic department," Dick Johnson, Five Star's vice president of school relations, said. "Our high quality schedule products will be a great addition to the Sand Lizards' season, and the student athletes will benefit from the community's support."

Located in Fayetteville, Five Star is the nation's premier producer of full color high school and collegiate athletic schedule products. To support the Sand Lizards or for more information about advertising with Five Star, please contact (888) 516-7776 or visit www.fivestarsports.com.

Softball team seeks players

A competitve 12-under softball team is looking for a pitcher and a utility player. A tryout is planned for Jan. 30, or individual tryouts can be conducted. Call Jimmy at 970-3885 for additional information.

AVSA spring soccer registration

Spring registration for the Arkansas Valley Soccer Association (AVSA) continues through Feb. 4. Interested persons can register online at www.rivervalleysoccer.com or pick up registration forms at Feltner's Athlete's Corner or Sportscene. Forms must be turned in by Feb. 4. For more information, call Mark Frost at 890-6309.

Baseball/softball registration

POTTSVILLE - Registration for summer baseball and softball will be from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 5, noon to 4 p.m. Feb. 12 and 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 19 at Pottsville City Park. All registration forms must be in no later than Feb. 19. Direct questions or comments to rlsbcgds@hotmail.com.